Eagle Returns to his Master: Kazakh Eagle Hunter demonstrates his mastery

Bayan Olgi, Mongolia October 2004: Photo of Kazakh Eagle Hunter just as the eagle lands back onto his hand whilst in full gallop. From high above the eagle swoops down towards the dust and to his mounted master. Landing onto a gloved perch they both slow to trot. A surreal scene; man, eagle, horse, all working together. I ran alongside the rider as the eagle flew down from a rocky cliff above in order to get this photo. To reach here we had to fly a small propeller plane from Ulaan Baatar to Bayan Olgi. Then took 4x4 jeeps and camped in gers/yurts nearby until the hunters gathered for the event. The landscape here is rocky and barren. It's windy, cold, and dusty. I recall at the time MIAT the domestic carrier left all our gear and luggage behind. For a week I had no shower and change of clothes. With very little batteries for my cameras and every shot moving or still had to count. It was perfect.